SITUATION AT PHNOM PENH AIRPORT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-512-3-5-4
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: March 18, 2010
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: January 22, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/03/18: LOC-HAK-512-3-5-4
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
W
THE PR. ESIL ENT
HENRY A. KISSINGXIk'
Situation at Phnom Penh Airport
We have now received several reports from Mr. Ladd which provide
a clearer picture of the situation at the Phnom Posh airport following
the attack and an assessment of currebt needs and actions being
taken. Mr. Ladd reports that s
-- In their meeting following the attack, General Los Nol
re que*ted two helicopters for liaison and command and control
purposes. Those have been made available and are expected to
arrive tomorrow morning,
-- A US airfield security and engineer team has arrived to
survey the situation. Barrier and defensive materials will be
provided by MACV as soon as needs are firmly fixed.
The main runway and unloading ramp on the civilian
side of the field are now clear and open for use.
-- Regular delivery of MAP supplies and equipment are
scheduled to resume tomorrow morning.
-- Weapons being hold for future training needs have been
diverted to permit the arming of local commando and par:-military
units for increased defense of vital areas around Phnom Penh.
-. The Cambodians have requested the stationing of a few
South Vietnamese attack aircraft at Phnom Pear airport in order to
be responsive to local tactical air needs. In the interim, local actions
are being supported by allied tactical air from South Vietnam.
-- All those concerned with the recovery operation are
responding magnificently.
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE.
ARMY review
completed.
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
HAK:AMH:JTH:jlj 1/22/71
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/03/18: LOC-HAK-512-3-5-4
 No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/03/18: LOC-HAK-512-3-5-4
IP t
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE
The attack appears to have been a well planned and coordinated effort
to destroy military facilities at and adjacent to the airfield. The
attack apparently occurred in the following sequence:
-- At midnight local time there was a probing attack
against a FANK garrison some 15 miles to the north of Phnom Ponh.
-- At about Z:30 a. m. charges placed by sappers detonated in
an area occupied by a transportation brigade in an area just north
of the airfield, destroying more than 1 00 tons of ammunition and most
of the facilities of the brigade. Simultaneously, a small group of
sappers began placing charges on aircraft and at other airport facilities.
-- As the sapper party withdrew, after about an hour, a
three hour mortar barrage began. Toward the end of the attack eleven
large rockets impacted the base but did not cause heavy damage.
-- A naval base on the east side of the City also was attacked
by mortars but damage was very light. Another FAM garrison to
the vicinity was also subjected to a light mortar attack.
- * Several enemy forces were spotted in the area and air
strikes were conducted. FANK units were also sent to intercept them.
Mr. Ladd also provided some additional details concerning damage
to the airport.
- - The taxiway on the military side is extensively damaged and
will require major repair.
Two )41G hangars have probable been destroyed.
-- The South Vietnamese Air Force fuel and ammunition dump
was reportedly destroyed, but the similar Cambodian Air Force facility
was undamaged.
-- At least two C-47s and one T-Z8 are undamaged and several
other aircraft are repairable.
Although the attack has been very costly, it appears that excellent
progress is being made to recover from this setback.
TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE
fthNloht-bjection to Declassification in Full 2010/03/18: LOC-HAK-512-3-5-4